DETECTING cancer in its early stages can save lives.
But not all cancers are easy to spot – some have vague symptoms or may not cause any symptoms at all.
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A dull ache in your bra strap could be a sign of cancerCredit: Getty
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Pancreatic cancer can be difficult to spot because the symptoms are usually vagueCredit: Getty
One of the most common misdiagnoses of all common cancers, due to the nature of its symptoms, is pancreatic cancer.
According to Pancreatic Cancer Action, more than 43 per cent of patients are diagnosed as an emergency in A&E after having previously visited their GP several times.
Dr. Santhi Swaroop Vege, director of the pancreatic disease group at the Mayo Clinic, describes pancreatic cancer as “the deadliest cancer in the human body.”
The only current cure is surgery.
But by the time a patient begins to suffer the kind of pain that warrants a trip to the emergency room, surgery is probably no longer an option—because the cancer has most likely spread to other parts of the body.
According to current data, the five-year survival rate for pancreatic cancer is about 7 percent, which means that only about 7 out of 100 people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer will survive five years after diagnosis.
Pancreatic cancer is notoriously difficult to diagnose early, but Pancreatic Cancer Action stresses that being aware of subtle changes in energy levels, pain and physical appearance can make a big difference.
Ade Williams MBE, Pharmacist Ambassador for Action Against Pancreatic Cancer, explains the often overlooked symptoms of pancreatic cancer, especially when two or more are combined.
Persistent indigestion or heartburn
Burning sensation in the chest or stomach, bloating, frequent belching that is not relieved by medication.
Abdominal pain or upper back discomfort
Persistent or severe pain in the abdomen, especially after eating. They are often perceived as gallstones, IBS or peptic ulcers.
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“This is a very common symptom of pancreatic cancer, especially if it gets worse while lying down. Many patients also complain of a dull pain in the back, right where the bra strap would fit,” said Ade.
New-onset diabetes
Pancreatic cancer can affect insulin production, leading to sudden onset of diabetes, especially in adults with no previous history or risk factors.
“Patients with existing diabetes can have a harder time controlling their blood sugar levels,” Ade said.
Nausea or vomiting
Frequent nausea, vomiting soon after eating or vomiting blood.
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Unexplained weight loss
Losing weight without trying, often despite a normal appetite.
Itching/jaundice
Itching, often intense, can occur due to blockage of the bile duct, which leads to the accumulation of bile salts in the skin.
“This is often accompanied by jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes),” Ade said.
Change in bowel habits
Diarrhea, constipation, or changes in stool consistency, especially if they occur shortly after eating.
“A lot of people interpret it as IBS, lactose intolerance or dietary changes,” Ade said.
“This is often an early symptom of pancreatic cancer, especially if the stool is pale, greasy and difficult to flush.
“Many of these symptoms are non-specific and can be caused by a variety of benign conditions such as GERD, IBS or stress.
“This overlap can make it difficult to distinguish a harmless problem from pancreatic cancer, especially in the early stages when symptoms are mild or intermittent.
“Many people will go to their local pharmacy for a packet of indigestion or diarrhea pills because they feel it’s not worth bothering the GP.
“We like them to talk to the pharmacist while they’re inside.
“Pharmacists can refer patients if they feel it’s necessary.”
When to seek medical help
Ade also advises anyone experiencing any of the above symptoms for 10 days or more to talk to a healthcare professional.
“If symptoms don’t improve within 10 days, it could signal something more sinister,” he said.
Who is most at risk of pancreatic cancer?
ALTHOUGH doctors don’t know what causes most pancreatic cancer, there are some factors that can increase your risk of developing it…
Age
Pancreatic cancer is more common in older people, and nearly half of all new cases are diagnosed in people age 75 and older. It is usually uncommon in people under the age of 40.
Smoking tobacco and smokeless tobacco
Around 20 in 100 cases of pancreatic cancer in the UK (about 20 per cent) are caused by smoking. Cigarettes, cigars, pipes and chewing tobacco increase the risk of pancreatic cancer. The best way for people who smoke to reduce their risk of cancer and improve their overall health is to stop smoking altogether.
Overweight or obese
More than 10 in 100 pancreatic cancers in the UK (more than 10 per cent) are caused by being overweight or obese. This increased risk could be because the pancreas produces more insulin in overweight people, but more research is needed.
Familial cancer syndromes and genetic factors
Pancreatic cancer is sometimes found to run in families. But only between 5 and 10 out of 100 people (5 to 10 percent) who are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer have a family history of pancreatic cancer.
Source: Cancer Research UK
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